Livestock rearing is a vital component of the Indian agricultural sector, underpinning the livelihoods of millions. Millions of people in India depend on livestock for their sustenance, with livestock farming supporting two-thirds of rural communities. India’s rich heritage in animal husbandry is reflected in its diverse breeds of cattle, small ruminants, fowl, pigs, and equine species. This diversity is not just a cultural asset but a crucial economic pillar.

According to the 20th Livestock Census, the sector contributes 4.11% to India’s total GDP and a significant 25.6% to the agricultural GDP. For small farm households, livestock contributes about 16% of their income, slightly above the rural average of 14%. Additionally, livestock farming employs around 8.8% of the Indian population, highlighting its role in rural employment.

It would be fair to say that livestock is the backbone of rural Indian economy.

The Essence of Animal Rearing

Animal rearing is integral to agricultural activities in rural India. Traditional selection methods have led to a diversity of breeds that are resilient, disease-resistant, and adaptable to various environmental conditions. The primary objective of animal rearing is to make livestock useful for humans, providing non-farm employment and supplemental income in rural areas.

The mixed crop-livestock farming system prevalent in India ensures resource efficiency. Livestock provides essential food products like milk, meat, and eggs. India, being the world’s largest milk producer, showcases the importance of this sector. Furthermore, livestock yields fibre and skins, contributing to the production of wool, hair, hides, and pelts, with leather being a significant export commodity.

Livestock as a Multifaceted Asset

Beyond food and fibre, livestock plays a crucial role in agricultural operations and transportation, although that use is fast disappearing.

Animal waste, particularly dung, serves as valuable farmyard manure, fuel (biogas and dung cakes), and construction material in rural areas – again a diminishing trend.

However, Livestock is also seen as ‘moving banks’ due to their potential to be sold during emergencies, providing financial security to landless agricultural laborers and small farmers.

Trends and Challenges in Livestock Rearing

Despite its significance, the livestock sector in India faces challenges. The shift towards intensive production models, focusing on high-yield breeds and heavy use of external inputs like feed concentrates and antibiotics, threatens the sustainability of traditional systems. This approach often increases costs and undermines the genetic diversity of local breeds.

Cross-breeding and the introduction of exotic breeds have not consistently yielded the expected benefits. Field evidence suggests stagnation in milk production and economic returns from crossbreeds, calling for a balanced approach that considers local conditions and resources.

To ensure the sustainability and growth of the livestock sector, India must promote practices that enhance edible biomass production, make strategic breed introductions, and support local milk recording and bull selection initiatives. These measures will strengthen the indigenous base, ensuring a resilient and productive livestock sector.

At Shunya we understand the criticality of the sector and its importance to the small dairy farmers.